‘It was like An Old Staying Healthy As everybody won’ Newcomer You Age Miramichi staff boost New environment leaves A helpful guide for your senior Issue No. 17, Vol. 4 Hockeyville bid RN in awe patients and clients June 2019 Page 7 Page 10 Page 11 HorizonSTAR A publication for the staff of Horizon Health Network

Waste Walk in Serology Lab at Horizon’s SJRH finds savings through small change Page 19

Meet the winners of the 2019 Quality Quest Awards! Page 16 Top 10: The health care professions that inspire you Page 17 Contents 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Physician completes LPN stands for more than Miramichi staff boost Employee rescues boy Horizon joins Marathon of Physician earns national Staying Healthy Horizon’s Recognition Critical Care Licensed Practical Nurse Renous Kraft Hockeyville bid from dog attack Hope Cancer Centres designation As You Age Month – another great Echocardiography exam success Proud Canadian, 30 years Detox Unit art inspired by COPD Testing available in An Old Newcomer Patient Safety Incident in the making clients’ recovery journeys Eastern Charlotte County Management Training

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Successful Harm #ResearchAtHorizon: Bikes Miramichi Hospital Auxiliary 2019 Quality Quest Top 10: Health care Active Offer Every Day: Finding savings through Work smarter, not Reduction Symposium N’ Trikes program gives celebrated for 100 years Award winners professions that inspire Patient and family centred small changes harder. Time to get youth freedom to play of care care in action waste walking. UNB researchers exploring Horizon, Vitalité sign weight gain stigma MOU with First Nations communities

This magazine is published by Horizon Health Network’s Communications In Every Issue On our cover: Department, and is distributed free of charge to Horizon staff, physicians Message from CEO Tammy Mahaney, a medical lab and volunteers. A French version can be found online at fr.horizonnb.ca. Editor’s Note technologist is photographed in Editor: GinaBeth Roberts Colleagues’ Corner the Microbiology Department’s Design and layout: Hudson Creative Agency Look Who’s Shining Serology Lab at Horizon’s Top 10 Printed by: Advocate Printing Saint John Regional Hospital Please send comments and/or story ideas to [email protected]. in May. Colleagues Corner Horizon physician completes Critical Care Echocardiography examination Dr. Maen Alqdah, a Respirology and Intensive the test; by the next day, the decisions that Care Specialist and director of Respiratory Care you’ve made based on your finding would Services at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital have made a big difference,” he explained. recently successfully completed his Critical “If you wait until the next day, things could Care Echocardiography board examination. have changed because the heart and the cardiovascular system’s response to illness are This is the first examination delivered by the continuously changing so you need to capture American National Board of Echocardiography it continuously.” (NBE) in this new branch of medicine. There is Dear Staff, Physicians and Volunteers, A welcome note no equivalent Board in Canada, and the NBE Dr. Alqdah can also interpret images when an As I write this I have spent the last few weeks traveling around to many Horizon from the editor is recognized by multiple associations and Echocardiography technician is not available, facilities to meet with staff and discuss what’s next for our organization. societies in Canada. which allows for a quicker treatment of Currently we are in the early stages of developing our new strategic plan, and patient. Images are also stored and shared for Welcome to the 17th edition of the Horizon Star! Dr. Alqdah has worked in the Intensive Care I’ve already received great feedback from staff, physicians and community comparison and reference in future cases. Unit (ICU) for 12 years, taking care of the members. I am so happy and proud to share with you the Horizon Star has won a Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Award of hospital’s most critically-ill patients. In the last He will soon work with a new transesophageal It’s imperative that I hear from you, as you are the staff on the frontlines serving Excellence for Best Internal Publication. decade, he said, ultrasound has become a very ultrasound probe, which will treat patients our communities. I hope you will continue to share your ideas and your honest important tool for physicians in the ICU. Dr. Maen Alqdah is photographed in his office in the I learned of this news just days before my deadline to write my perspectives when the consultation process Professional Arts Building in Moncton in May. Editor’s Note, which has given me some time to reflect on this “It’s almost replacing the stethoscope,” he said. formally begins for the new strategic plan. You honour. will have an opportunity to engage in a variety This certification and training will allow when physicians and technicians can’t see of ways including larger meetings with me and I share this award with so many people. My Communications him to perform Advanced Critical Care through their chest wall because of trauma. our Board chair, as well as smaller meetings colleagues contribute stories to every issue and many help Echocardiography — ultrasound of the heart — Dr. Alqdah is one of only a few physicians in 4 with your manager and through an online review and edit the publication in full, and our Translation team on patients of all ages. These ultrasounds can 5 4 Canada to complete this examination, and 5 platform on our website. does an impeccable job bringing the stories to life in French. be performed every one to two hours to see may be in the only one in Atlantic Canada. I could also not do without the graphic designers who turn all how a patient’s health is progressing, and to This province and across Canada recognizes of our words and photos into pages that are visually interesting flag and manage issues immediately. He’ll work with colleagues in Critical Care and there is a nursing shortage. I realize there are and cohesive. And our volunteers, who have helped make the Emergency Departments who are interested shortages for other health care professions “This has a huge impact,” said Dr. Alqdah. “The print distribution in all our regional hospitals possible. And our in learning more about Advanced Critical Care as well. Please know that Horizon’s Human point of care ultrasound is most important to printing partner, Advocate. Echocardiography, which will advance the Resources team is working around the clock to be done at the time you need it most.” diagnostic abilities of the hospital’s Critical recruit staff to ensure patient and client care And I definitely could not do it without all of you. “If you have a sick patient the middle of Care team and ultimately provide better isn’t negatively affected. The Horizon Star was a direct result of your feedback: Only a few The ultrasound used in Advanced Critical Care the night, that’s the time you need to do Echocardiography. years ago we heard from you that Horizon needed to improve patient care and outcomes. However, I believe strongly that recruitment internal communications. To figure out how to do that, we alone is not the answer to all of our health held focus groups with many frontline employees, developed care woes. We need to change the way we an Internal Communications Framework and implemented do things in this province, particularly in the Karen McGrath Training supports Horizon’s patient safety incident management process President and CEO recommendations from that framework, including four related to way we provide community care. We need to our internal newsletter. In late March, Horizon’s Quality, Patient Safety the last decade,” said Lauza Saulnier, Regional identify gaps and find efficiencies across our organization. You were immediately engaged in the redevelopment process, as and Risk Management Services attended an Director, Quality & Patient Safety. education session given by Carolyn Hoffman, Delivering health care services in New Brunswick isn’t going to get any easier; you were asked to submit names for the newsletter. We received Currently, Quality, Patient Safety and Risk President and CEO of the Institute for Safe in fact it will become more challenging as our population ages. Our more than 100 submissions from staff and physicians from 13 Management Services are leading a Patient Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada). province simply can’t afford an abundance of new buildings and shiny new different facilities across Horizon. Ultimately, the Horizon Star Safety Incident Management Project to ISMP Canada is a non-profit organization equipment. We can’t simply do what we’ve always done, because it’s the way was chosen. further align Horizon’s processes with ISMP’s dedicated to the development and promotion it was done in the past. We need to do things differently. We need to start by You told us that you didn’t want a newsletter that only generated report recommendations, recent legislative of safe medication practices. addressing the actual determinants of health. awareness of corporate messages and rehashed press releases; and regulatory changes, and best practices It’s important that we develop Horizon’s strategic plan and involve our staff you wanted to see yourselves and people you work with in the Horizon invited this global leader in patient followed in other Canadian health authorities. pages of the publication. That’s why we developed recurring safety to provide a customized Incident and stakeholders in doing so. We need everyone involved to feel a part of our The team’s training session with ISMP Canada features Look Who’s Shining, which showcases the work of Horizon Analysis Workshop to help build Horizon’s strategic plan and believe in it, to be successful. was part of their work in revamping Horizon’s employees outside the organization, and Colleagues’ Corner, capacity and expertise. The training allowed patient safety incident management process. I do believe we’re on the right track and our focus is clear, which is to provide which profiles a particular position or team in support of sharing the team to further their understanding of safe and quality care for our patients/clients and their families. For this reason best practices and success stories across the organization. the incident review process and its purpose, I encourage you to engage in the consultation process, which is set to begin in It’s also because of you we print the magazine, and distribute to all and taught them how to create strong From top to bottom, left to right: Tony Robichaud, the coming months. Horizon facilities. I also hope you’ve found the process to submit recommendations, which are critical in Quality Consultant; Rosemary Boyle, Patient I understand how the continued mention of staff shortages doesn’t only affect articles has improved with the introduction of the HorizonStar@ successfully managing patient safety incidents. Safety Consultant; Alice Damon, Chief Quality & HorizonNB.ca email address. our patients, but our staff and their families as well. I encourage you to listen Patient Safety Officer; Lauza Saulnier, Regional Previously, Horizon had engaged ISMP Canada Director Quality & Patient Safety; Jennifer Landry, to your body and listen to your mind and ensure that you take time to rest and The award recipients and the level at which they won (gold, silver or to recommend a framework for adverse incident bronze) at will be announced at an awards ceremony at the CPRS Risk Management Consultant; Peggy McEachreon, look after yourselves. There is no better time to recharge than doing so while management, as well as other key opportunities Risk Management Assistant; John Glidden, Risk National Conference in Edmonton in mid-June. If you’d like to enjoying New Brunswick’s beautiful weather. for improvement, that would improve the Management Consultant; Carolyn Hoffman, President read more on the CPRS and its Awards of Excellence, you can reliability and effectiveness of Horizon’s & CEO ISMP Canada; Lynn Moore, Risk Management Sincerely, visit cprs.ca. patient safety incident management process. Consultant; Sandra Rooney, Regional Director Risk Happy reading, Management; Michelle Anglehart, Patient Safety “The foundations of a safe and just culture Consultant; Paula Pickard, Patient Safety Consultant; already exist at Horizon, but it needs to be Janice Butler, Risk Management Consultant; Amy Karen McGrath expanded and enhanced in order to keep up Mullin, Quality Consultant; Rose McKenna, Quality with the changes Horizon has undergone in Consultant; and Lyzandra Pereira, Quality Consultant. President and CEO GinaBeth Roberts Horizon Health Network Editor, Horizon Star Want to tell your colleagues about the services you provide for patients and staff throughout Horizon? Email [email protected]. LPN stands for more than Licensed Miramichi staff boost Renous’ bid to Practical Nurse A group of Horizon licensed practical nurses become Kraft Hockeyville (LPNs) in the Saint John area saw an opportunity The support of Horizon staff in Miramichi enhances mental wellness, and is what to work together to help create positivity and helped boost a neighbouring community’s bid Addiction & Mental Health staff promote daily. boost morale in their profession and ran with it. to become Canada’s hockey town. And when Renous was announced as the Together, they created Leaders Practicing The community of Renous, 40 kilometres winner, it was a time for everyone to celebrate. Nursing, a group who meet regularly to focus southwest of Miramichi, recently won the title on leadership and supporting their profession of Kraft Hockeyville for 2019, thanks to the “The staff around here were just ecstatic,” and nursing team. public’s vote. Jackie said. “It was like everybody won.” “Licensed practical nursing is not typically a profession where you see people take leadership Before and during the two-day online voting Renous won $250,000 in upgrades for Tom roles and we wanted to inspire other LPNs to blitz, Horizon staff who worked in Addiction Donovan Arena. They’ll also have the honour be leaders,” said Christie Ruff, Regional Lead, and Mental Health’s outpatient and inpatient of hosting an NHL game between the Montreal Staff at Horizon’s Addiction and Mental Health Corrections Health and Clinical Order Sets. services showed their support for the bid, Canadians and Florida Panthers (exact game Outpatient Services decorated their office windows location to be determined). to encourage and remind community members to encouraging staff and community members in “Vote Renous!” As health care providers, they want to make the region and across the province to vote for a difference in the lives of their patients, Renous as many times as possible. their community and their colleagues; as colleagues, they’re focused on encouraging From left: NBCC Clinical Instructor Laura Janes, and Horizon LPNs Gwen Bezeau, Patrick Daggett, Christie Ruff, “When communities come together to each other and being a voice for LPNs who Rhonda Power and Jennifer Bickford. Missing from the photo is Curtis Cormier. support each other it’s uplifting,” said Jackie might not want to speak. Hare, Acting Director of Addiction and Mental “We are creating a movement and excitement group of caring individuals,” said Rhonda communication, awareness and education Health Services and Nurse Manager of that LPNs can be leaders within their workplace Powers, President of the ANBLPN Saint to other fellow LPNs while providing and Addiction and Psychiatry Inpatient Units at 6 and beyond,” said Jennifer Bickford, John Chapter. “We have a common goal to encouraging leadership skills,” said Gwen Bezeau. Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital. 77 Association of New Brunswick Licensed encourage and promote professionalism and Leaders Practicing Nursing encourage each This was a staff-driven initiative. Staff were Practical Nurses (ANBLPN) Board member. positivity in our profession.” other to take different leadership roles, so committed to Renous wining they had a With a combined 50+ years of nursing Curtis Cormier hopes this group will ignite passion motivate each other to take courses, and Jersey Day (some bringing extra jerseys for experience, these LPNs work in various and instil pride in their chosen profession, provide mentorship to others, as well those without one) and decorated their office nursing areas including education, internal something he and this group already share. performing these actions in their work windows with signs to remind everyone about medicine, neurology and more. areas to help other LPNs feel inspired and to voting. They used their work breaks, and their “Being an LPN is a career we are all proud of become leaders. own time, to vote. The group share experiences, resources and and have a passion for,” said Laura Janes. “We advice all while determining ways to help want to share that passion with others, so we “I hope to inspire my fellow LPNs to exude “People came in the next morning and said, ‘I other LPNs feel inspired and become leaders. as a profession, are able to continue to grow.” kindness and professionalism,” said Jennifer. voted for two hours straight last night’,” “Both of these qualities encompass what is “I am grateful and inspired by this amazing “This group… (is) a way we can show honest she said. needed in nursing today.” Participating in this bid was a no-brainer, as this was, at its core, a wellness initiative. This Canada Day, we want to Physical activity, like playing hockey or A proud Canadian, 30 years in the making celebrate Horizon’s new Canadians Staff at Horizon’s Addiction and Mental Health Outpatient Services (top) and Inpatient Psychiatry and Inpatient skating, and community involvement Detoxification at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital (bottom) wore sports jerseys to drum up support and votes Dressed in red and white, Christie Ruff arrived at If you’re a Horizon employee and new Canadian, for Renous’ successful bid to become Kraft Hockeyville. a citizenship ceremony in Saint John two months we want to know: When and why did you come ago ready to become a Canadian citizen. After to Canada? Did you move here to join the Horizon living in Canada for over 30 years and working team? What is your most memorable Canadian as a nurse for 32, this was her day to shine. moment? This is a meaningful time for Christie; ever We want to share your stories and photos this since she was driven across the U.S. border by Canada Day on Horizon’s social media channels! her Canadian husband in 1989, she has felt at Send your submissions to [email protected] home here and has never looked back. by Friday, June 21. “It’s hard to believe it has taken this long to Please include the following items: formalize something that has been in my • Your name, position, unit and facility heart for years,” she said. “I am sure Canadian • One or two paragraphs sharing your Canadian blood runs through my veins, and I’m proud story to say I. Am. Canadian.” • A photo of you — in your best red and white or at your citizenship ceremony, if possible Canada Day 2019 is guaranteed to be extra special for this newly minted Canadian. *Please note: These photos will be featured on Horizon’s corporate social media channels “Every day feels like Canada Day right now,” (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or YouTube, she laughed. “I look forward to celebrating not in the Horizon Star). By submitting a photo, with my fellow Canadians on July 1. Happy you consent to having your photo used on these Canada Day!” online channels. For privacy reasons, please Christie is the Regional Lead for Corrections ensure no patients or patient information is Health & Clinical Order Sets and a Licensed visible in photos. Practical Nurse. Christie Ruff at her citizenship ceremony in Saint John.

Look Who’s Shining! Know someone who’s accomplished something outstanding outside the workplace? Nominate a colleague, peer or volunteer for this feature by emailing [email protected]. Horizon employee rescues boy from dog attack Horizon joins cancer centres, researchers in Joy Burns didn’t expect to be a hero while on later come to know as Jack, walking down the a trip to the United States, but her instincts as street with two rottweilers trailing behind him. Atlantic Canada to provide precision medicine for a mother, grandmother and nurse helped her She assumed they were his dogs until they protect a young boy in a scary situation. suddenly pounced. patients across region Joy, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Horizon’s The rottweilers began attacking Jack, biting Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and tearing his clothes. Leading cancer centres, hospitals and It will join the Montreal Cancer Consortium (DECRH), and her granddaughter, Isabella, researchers in Atlantic Canada came together in Quebec and the BC-Ontario Pilot Project, “My immediate instinct was to help the boy,” were in Louisiana visiting Joy’s daughter and in St. John’s, N.L. in mid-April to help launch which are already functioning, as well as the said Joy. “I thought I’d be able to scare the Isabella’s aunt over the Christmas holiday. the Terry Fox Research Institute’s (TFRI) Prairies Cancer Consortium, which hopes to dogs off, but they wouldn’t leave him alone.” Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, become operational later this year. The day before they were to return home Joy ran and threw herself on top of Jack which represents a powerful collaborative to Fredericton, Joy went outside to get her “By forming the ACC and joining the national to shield him from the dogs. They began platform that will help deliver personalized Joy received three surgeries plus skin grafts during Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network daughter’s mail. and precision medicine to cancer patients attacking and biting her as well. her 10-day hospital stay; she continues to see a plastic we hope that every cancer patient in our There, she noticed a small boy, who she would across the region. “I tried to calm Jack down in hopes that once he surgeon at the DECRH, and will likely need more region will have access to the right treatment surgeries in the future to regain full function of her arm. The east coast group, known as the Atlantic at the right time for their particular type stopped screaming the dogs would calm down, TERRY FOX RESEARCH NETWORK but they wouldn’t let up,” she said. “They Cancer Consortium (ACC), is comprised of of cancer,” said Dr. Michael Johnston, TFRI with a plastic surgeon at the DECRH, and will were hauling us around like paper dolls. It was about 40 researchers and clinicians from Atlantic node leader, professor of surgery at likely need more surgeries in the future to terrifying. At one point, all I could do was pray.” institutions in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland participated in the launch event and applied Dalhousie University and former director of regain full function of her arm. and Labrador and New Brunswick, including the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. With a rush of adrenaline, Joy managed to to the national network in May for funding to Despite her injuries, on that day Joy’s greatest Horizon Health Network. stop one dog just long enough for her to get launch a pilot project focused on colorectal and The Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres concern was for Jack, as well as for her off Jack, and for Jack to be freed. “We’re very proud to be a part of such an lung cancers, the two most prevalent cancers Network is the realization of a long-standing granddaughter: Isabella lost both her mother innovative and patient-focused initiative,” in the region. Funding for the network will vision of the TFRI. Just as Terry Fox united She had no idea where Jack lived, but once the and father a couple months’ prior, and was says Dr. Edouard Hendriks, Horizon’s Vice be made up of support from the Government Canadians with his run and dream to end dogs settled down a little, he started running terrified she would lose her grandmother, too. President Medical, Academic and Research of Canada (up to $150 million over five years) cancer, the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres home. The only stich of clothes he had left 8 During her hospital stay, Joy received news Affairs. “We hope that by working together and will be matched with funds raised by the Network will unite cancer researchers 9 8 was a sock. 9 Jack, the little boy she saved that day, was only and using all of our available technologies to network partners, their foundations and The to pursue that same goal with precision Joy ran back into her daughter’s house, with five years old, and that the dogs had escaped help individualize treatments we’ll improve Terry Fox Foundation. medicine. the quality of life and increase survivorship for the two dogs chasing and biting her every from a neighbour’s backyard. Jack received When the network is officially launched, For more information on the launch of New Brunswickers diagnosed with this deadly step of the way. Once inside, she called her over 300 stitches, but thankfully none to his the ACC will become one of several regional the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres disease.” daughter who brought her to the nearest face because Joy was his shield. and cross-country groups that make up the Network, please visit: hospital and was immediately taken into Jack’s story would have ended much Representatives from the three provinces Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. marathonofhopecancercentres.ca/launch. surgery. differently if Joy hadn’t been there that day. Joy received three surgeries plus skin grafts Thanks to her heroic rescue, Jack was saved Joy Burns, an LPN, is photographed at Horizon’s Dr. during her 10-day hospital stay as an attempt from what could have been a much more Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in mid-May. to repair the damage. Joy continues to meet tragic outcome. COPD Testing now available in Eastern Charlotte County Thanks to a generous donation from a local family, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary New art at Detox Unit inspired by clients’ recovery journeys Disease (COPD) testing is now available in The first painting depicts the feelings of Eastern Charlotte County. isolation and despair associated with suffering Horizon’s Fundy Health Centre (FHC) has from an addiction. developed and implemented a program to The second depicts the recovery process — support residents in the area who are living acceptance of the addiction and its realities with COPD. UPSTREAM, an 18-month project and recognition of the need for support funded by the Canadian Foundation for from others. The eagle sitting subtly in the Healthcare Improvement (CFHI), is focused background symbolizes freedom, and is on the early screening and support for people looking toward the future. living with COPD. The third depicts the regrowth participants As a result of a generous donation from the experience through sowing seeds of wellness. Gallant Family, the FHC team was able to purchase equipment for the implementation Together, the collection highlights the of a community-based, pulmonary importance of peer support throughout the rehabilitation program for local residents. recovery process. “It is important that people living in rural The three paintings, inspired by clients’ recovery journey and created by Miramichi artist Adam Barry, communities have equitable, timely and hang prominently at the Detoxification Unit in Miramichi. Here, clients who inspired the painting and unit staff, appropriate access to health care programs sit in front of the paintings. and services,” said Dan Doherty, Director of Primary Health Care for the Saint John The Detoxification Unit in Miramichi has some Experience Advisors (PEAs) and staff, Miramichi area. “Having this kind of support, right From left: Paul Gallant; Dr. Oriano Andreani, Respirologist; Laura Gallant; Kenny Gallant; Anne McLean, beautiful new art hanging on its walls — art artist Adam Barry was given a goal of creating here in Eastern Charlotte County is crucial community health nurse; and Sherrie Gallant. that was inspired by clients’ journey to recovery. a client’s depiction of recovery. to supporting the health and wellness of our One patient said the program helped them Program participants are referred by Dr. Recently, the unit’s Recovery Team was As a result, he created three paintings that could community.” get the education they were longing for, and it Oriano Andreani, a respirologist, and the awarded grant money from a Department of stand alone, but tell a broader story when hung From left: Miramichi artist Adam Barry, Recovery The eight-week program has demonstrated reduced their anxiety in dealing with shortness program is led by Anne MacLean, RN; Health Recovery initiative. together; these paintings show what the stages Team staff representative Sheralee Furlong, a Licensed positive results for participants and of breath by using the new breathing Dianne Stewart, LPN; and Nurse Practitioners of addiction and recovery look like to clients. Practical Nurse and project organizer, and Jeff Miller, With the grant and input from clients, Patient a PEA and Horizon employee. improvements in overall health and wellness. techniques they learned. Stephanie Henry and Kate Burkholder. Horizon physician earns national designation Staying Healthy As You Age Danny Jardine, Regional Director, Collaborative Care Seniors Health Dr. Sanjay Siddhartha, Chief of Psychiatry “To affect positive mental health care change at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital, and achieve results the best thing to do is to June is Seniors Month, and Collaborative Care Seniors Health at Horizon aims to provide was recently awarded the Canadian Certified come out of the office and into the community,” exceptional care for all seniors across New Brunswick. Physician Executive (CCPE) designation at the he said. “There is a distinction between Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership mental health and mental illness and it’s up to However, the health system cannot do it alone. As you age you have control over some of these There is no priority to this list; we want your patients held in Montreal in April. us (professionals) to get out there and provide In fact, many population health models suggest factors, such as your health behaviours. and clients to be empowered to choose what they that our health is only 10 per cent dependent on want to do based on personal preference. We hope accurate, compassionate, and quality care.” Collaborative Care Seniors Health wants to help the health system with 90 per cent of our health you will use it to stay healthy! This is the first time a Horizon physician has you, so we reached out to our clinical experts and status determined by health behaviours, social and been awarded the CCPE designation, which And it’s because of Dr. Siddhartha’s community partners to provide you with the Top 10 For more resources and health tips for staying healthy economic factors and the physical environment. recognizes Canadian physicians for their commitment to front-line care that patients things you can do to stay healthy as you age. as you age, visit Horizon’s Community News Channel. exemplary performance as leaders, and is just referred to Miramichi’s Addiction and Mental the third time it has been presented to a New Health Services undergo a psychiatric screening Brunswick area physician. to rule out serious mental illness, a unique and highly successful program in which Dr. “Congratulations on behalf of Horizon for this Siddhartha was instrumental in creating. KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY KEEP LEARNING recognition by your Canadian colleagues,” said Learn about the programs and Continual learning and keeping Dr. Édouard Hendriks, Horizon’s Vice President Dr. Nachiketa Sinha, Chief of Psychiatry at services offered in your community. your brain active are important as Medical, Academic and Research Affairs. Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital, and Dr. Many communities hold wellness you age. This can be as simple as Siddhartha’s colleague and friend says, “Dr. fairs that have a lot of great information. learning a new hobby or as formal Dr. Siddhartha continuously strives to improve Siddhartha’s leadership and clinical practices If you are internet-savvy you can as an actual education program. always search for information about access to mental health services and has been are strong assets in the treatment of mental Many universities and colleges have events/resources in your community special rates for seniors. instrumental in reducing wait times to see a illness in New Brunswick, and the CCPE psychiatrist to well below the provincial and on Google. You may find interesting designation is a well-deserved honour.” volunteering opportunities that can national average. Dr. Sanjay Siddhartha with his Canadian Certified help get you active and engaged in PRACTISE PREVENTION Dr. Siddhartha also serves as Chair of the A firm believer in multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Physician Executive designation certificate. your community. Keeping regular with your doctor New Brunswick Psychiatric Association Board appointments, immunizations Siddhartha is also passionate about practicing 10 by what you do every day on the front lines of Directors and is an Assistant Professor of (including a yearly flu vaccine), age 111111 from the front lines and setting an example for accomplishing your tasks.” Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE appropriate screening, blood work his colleagues. It’s important to think ahead about and regular hand washing can go a An important part of Dr. Siddhartha’s front- Congratulations Dr. Siddhartha, and thank you your health and the decisions that long way toward keeping you healthy “Leadership is how you interact with your line work is making house calls to those in for exemplifying Horizon’s value of patient you may have to make some day. To as you age. colleagues, and everyone is a leader in some need of mental health support, a practice he and family centred care. reduce the chances of getting slowed way,” said Dr. Siddhartha. “Success is measured encourages his fellow clinicians to adopt. down in the future, make those decisions now. This can include RELAX everything from wills and estate Always take time to reduce stress planning to powers of attorney for in your life. This can take many financial and medical purposes. It forms including regular meditation, An Old Newcomer can also include decisions about laughter, spiritual practises, exercise Sue Lanteigne, Registered Nurse (RN), Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital nursing home preference, should you and socialization. require one. It is important to keep This spring, I took a chance and started down From the porters who bring the patients to Nurse Manager Judy Melanson has fostered a this information up to date. TALK TO YOUR LOCAL a new career path. I was awarded a temporary and from the procedures, the administrative very close-knit staff. It is as one of the nurses said PHARMACIST position in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at support staff who keeps everything running recently: “We are family, brothers and sisters, EAT HEALTHY Get to know your local pharmacist. the New Brunswick Heart Centre at Horizon’s smoothly, to the environmental services and you will never find any other place like it.” Follow a healthy meal plan. It is Your pharmacist is a wealth of Saint John Regional Hospital. I have worked in staff who help to prepare each room before well known that eating a healthy knowledge, and can provide a wide many places and in various clinical settings. and after each case (and who are often the She is right. I have never been in an environment and balanced diet improves health. range of services and health ones to ensure the patients have plenty of like this, and I feel truly fortunate to have been Canada’s New Food Guide outlines information. They are also very However, this story is not about me; it is about warm blankets), it’s a real team effort. Every afforded this opportunity. healthy daily requirements. Your helpful in reviewing your medications the extraordinary staff I have had the privilege member works together to make what can be requirements may be different and ensuring safety. Don’t be afraid Many stories are told of patients; not so many depending on specific medical of working with over eight weeks. a very frightening experience, a little less so to approach or call the pharmacist about the people who are dedicated to making conditions or level of activity so ask you regularly use to ask questions. for the patient. The “Cath Lab” is an environment like no those stories happen. your doctor if you are not sure. Also, try to maintain a consistent other. To say that this area is intense is an The Interventional Cardiologists are amazing. pharmacist so that they get to know understatement. Staff at the New Brunswick Heart Centre you too! Their focus is also totally patient-centered. performs over 4,100 cardiac catheterizations SLEEP WELL From the perspective of a “newbie,” the They strive for the best outcome for every every year. This number also includes Your need for sleep does not change learning curve is steep. A previous expert is patient. They truly treat every patient as they Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implants (TAVI) with age. Older adults need just STAY SOCIAL as much sleep as younger adults – reduced to a novice. However, in the midst would treat their own loved one. Their and other valvular procedures, which are also Research shows isolation and seven to nine hours per night – but loneliness can be bad for your health. of the cloud of the sometimes-overwhelming kindness is obvious in the way they truly amazing. They also performs many communicate with often get much less. Lack of sleep Try to limit this by becoming engaged amount of knowledge to be learned, is the electrophysiology procedures (another highly- can cause depression, irritability, and active in your community. Of kindness, patience, encouragement and patients, staff, and often in consulting with specialized area) including, but not limited to, each other, before, during and after increased fall risk, and memory course, there many ways to stay support of EVERY staff member. cardiac ablation, pacemakers and defibrillator problems. social such as attending community procedures. insertion and maintenance, performed by events, going to an exercise class, The nurses are incredible. Their dedication I would be remiss if the knowledge and Cardiac Electrophysiologists, with the support taking a course, having a coffee is unwavering. The care they give to their EXERCISE EVERY DAY with friends or volunteering. It’s also expertise of the radiological technologists was of the team. patients is exceptional, and all of this is done Seniors should aim to exercise every important to build connections with willingly without complaint 24 hours a day, not highlighted. They are so integral to the I am in awe of the expertise, dedication, and day. This exercise can take many friends and family. every day. Sometimes it is as simple as a entire process, facilitating specialized diagnostic care given to every patient, and to me… the forms, such as cardiovascular (i.e. walking, aerobic fitness classes), warm blanket around a patient’s shoulders, a interventions, which makes accurate diagnosis old newcomer. and treatment possible. Every one of them has strength training, stretching and kind word, a moment of reassurance; there balance activities. is never a shortage of all of the above by any been ready to impart knowledge. It is a very With respect, member of the staff. talented group, indeed. Susan Lanteigne, RN Horizon’s Recognition Month – another great success! Successful second annual Harm Reduction Symposium Horizon honoured thousands of employees at with gifts as a token of appreciation to mark And kudos to Horizon’s Engagement In March, the second annual Harm Reduction Years of Service and Retirement celebrations their respective years of service at luncheons and Recognition Committees for making Symposium brought together hundreds of The 2020 symposium will take place next spring. across the organization in May, which is held in their honour. Recognition Month a huge success! stakeholders from across Canada to help raise Event details will be posted at Eventbrite.ca. Recognition Month. awareness, educate and enhance harm Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits Horizon thanks and congratulates this year’s Horizon employees who wish to view a reduction collaboration. may be available. More than 2,100 employees were recognized honourees for their incredible dedication and full list of employees who reached Years of for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 years of commitment to their professions and to Horizon, Service milestones in the last year can visit Horizon is a proud sponsor of this event, held service. Horizon also presented 300 retirees and wishes best of luck to those retiring. the Employee Engagement page on Skyline. in Saint John, which allows stakeholders to present innovative approaches in the field of harm reduction. Dr. Duncan Webster, an infectious diseases doctor and a medical microbiologist at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital, said through a harm reduction approach we can decrease unnecessary deaths in our community and help move forward with the World Health Organization (WHO) Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS elimination plans. FREDERICTON AREA People who use drugs (PWUD) quite often find it difficult to access health care services because of stigmatization, discrimination and isolation, which results in poorer health outcomes. Reframing the way health care providers think about and describe PWUD 12 is a key component in reducing stigma 1313 surrounding those who suffer from addiction Dr. Duncan Webster, an infectious diseases doctor and a medical microbiologist at Horizon’s Saint John Regional and drug use. Hospital, speaks to the large crowd at the second annual Harm Reduction Symposium. Moms Stop the Harm is a network of families from across Canada who have lost their children from drug related harms or who have UNB researchers exploring weight stigma in health care SAINT JOHN AREA struggled with substance use. They called for From Andrea Bombak, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of New Brunswick an end in the war on drugs and encouraged health care provider to embrace an approach A University of New Brunswick (UNB) study is the experiences of newcomers to Canada and that reduces harms and respects human rights. exploring diverse New Brunswick residents’ individuals who identify as Indigenous. experiences with health care and how location Members from the Halifax Area Network of and community affects health. The groups selected as the focus of this Drug Using People (HANDUP) spoke bravely research are known to encounter unjust about their journey with drug use. Involving Weight stigma (stereotyping or discrimination treatment or attitudes, which is linked to those who are battling substance use disorder based on weight) occurs in many settings, risk for some chronic diseases. Researchers is essential to planning solutions. including health care. People who experience are interested in hearing about people’s weight stigma may avoid seeking health care, experiences in and out of health care and the The harm reduction approach recognizes that receive a lower quality of care, misuse their places in New Brunswick that make being high risk behaviour might continue despite medications, be less active, and deal with high healthy more or less difficult. MONCTON AREA the risks. However, it is the right thing to do as levels of stress and mental health challenges. it has been proven to reduce risks, decrease This project has been reviewed by the UNB the spread of infection, prevent overdose and As well, weight stigma doubles the risk of Research Ethics Board and is on file as death and ultimately connect and engage stress and worsens diabetes symptoms; not 2019-035. people in health care to improve outcomes and liking your body is associated with developing diabetes over time. If you have a patient or client who would like quality of life. to find out more about the study, they can For groups also affected by other forms of contact assistant professor Andrea Bombak at prejudice, weight stigma may worsen health [email protected] or 506-429-2130. outcomes. There are gaps in understanding weight stigma among different groups. Most studies do not include very diverse samples; studies that do include diverse samples show MIRAMICHI AREA differences between genders, social classes, and racial groups in experiences and effects of weight stigma. We need to understand how multiple forms of injustice can interact with weight stigma to affect health outcomes in New Brunswick. The University of New Brunswick research team To do this, researchers at UNB Fredericton are exploring weight stigma in health care, from left: conducting interviews and visiting sites with Alison Turner, MA Candidate, Department of persons of a higher weight who are also living Sociology; Julia Sheehan, BA Candidate, Department of Political Science; Jen Rowett, PhD Candidate, on a low-income, 65 years of age or older, or CCC-S, LCT, Instructor, Faculty of Education; Symposium committee members Kim Wilbur, left, RN, identify as mostly Francophone. Next summer, and Andrea Bombak, PhD, Assistant Professor, UPPER RIVER VALLEY AREA UNB Nursing and Linda Williams, Public Health nurse. the researchers hope to expand into exploring Department of Sociology. #ResearchAtHorizon: Bikes N’ Trikes program gives Comfort in times of joy and sadness: Miramichi Hospital N.B. youth with neuro disorders freedom to play Auxiliary celebrated for 100 years of care

For many New Brunswick youth, the arrival Cassie Dolliver has seen how auxiliaries can of spring means going outside to play – and provide comfort in even the most sterile riding a bike is one of the most popular environments. outdoor activities. As a mother, she benefitted from the comforts However, commercially available bikes and they provided when her son was born; as the trikes may not meet the unique needs of Palliative Coordinator at Horizon’s Miramichi children and youth with neurological diagnoses, Regional Hospital, she’s seen how the auxiliaries’ such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or spina bifida. gifts bring comfort in times of joy and sadness. “You share your time and skills to those under A Horizon program unlike any other in Canada the care of the hospital and add a personal aims to change that, making it possible for touch to an often-sterile environment,” Cassie these kids to spend time outside being active said at the 100th anniversary celebrations with their friends and families. of Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital Auxiliary in early April, which was marked Bikes N’ Trikes began at Horizon’s Stan with a luncheon and tea at St. Andrew’s United Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation in 2012 and Tracy Ferguson, physiotherapist at the Stan Cassidy Church in Miramichi. continues with the support of the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, receives her award at the Foundation. Patients’ Den from one of the patient advisor “Your gifts are unprejudiced and abundant. panellists, Kevin Standing. From left are Karen McGrath, president and CEO of Horizon Health Network, with the Honourary Life Members Tracy Ferguson, physiotherapist at Horizon’s You do this because you care, and these noble of Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Phyllis Hamilton, Winnie Matchett, Debbie Whitney, The innovative program adapts bikes for its Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, and acts request no recognition,” she said. “What a Carolyn Taylor, Wendy Matthews, Betty Doyle, Geraldine Fitzpatrick, Mildred Savoy, and Carol Anne Smythe. young patients free of charge. Because these Dr. Natasha Hanson, manager for the SOAR Team in Tracy successfully applied to Horizon’s Research Services’ SOAR team, who provided powerful sentiment you are giving to a person Not pictured are: Rachel Butler, Shirley Donovan, Salome Legge, Betty O’Shea, Jeannie Bell, and Aileen Whitney. 14 bikes are very expensive to adapt, and because Research Services, make their successful case to the preparing to take their last breath, or to a tiny 1515 families can keep them, the program removes Patients’ Den on May 10, 2018. her with dedicated research support. soul that’s just taken its first.” support the hospital,” she said. “They did Cassie said the tiny hat helped keep him a significant financial barrier. things like wrap bandages, clean laundry and warm and was the first thing he ever wore. and mental health and social relationships Then, to access funding to support Dawn Savoy, president of the auxiliary, said bring comforts to people who, in a lot of cases, She said it serves as a reminder of his size Tracy Ferguson, a physiotherapist with the ultimately leading to better quality of life. interviewing past program participants and the group is an amalgamation of three former had just returned from World War One.” and is precious to her. Pediatric Neuromotor Team at the Stan Cassidy She soon learned few others have studied their families, Tracy and SOAR team manager, volunteer groups: Hospital Aid (formed in Centre for the past 10 years oversees the programs like Bikes N’ Trikes, creating a unique Dr. Natasha Hanson made a pitch at the 1919), Hospital Club (formed in 1950) and the Patients’ Den. Held on May 10, 2018, the Hospitals rely heavily on auxiliaries, Karen “This tiny hat came from a stranger and while program. chance for her to collect evidence and further volunteer department (formed in 1976). They said, because they provide a little extra I was pregnant, dreaming of holding my shape the care physiotherapists provide. Patients’ Den was organized by the University joined forces in 1986 to become the Miramichi of New Brunswick’s Primary and Integrated something to hospitals. long-awaited baby, someone out there, in our After running the program for several years, Regional Hospital Auxiliary. community, was sitting down and knitting she was curious to better understand how To build her project, Investigating the impact of Healthcare Innovations Network, and had a “Everybody who is considered essential to panel of eight patient advisors judge teams’ or crocheting tiny little hats for babies they the program may be helping to improve adapted bikes or trikes on the quality of life of the operation of our facilities has to be there,” would never meet,” she said. her patients’ and their families’ physical children and youth with neuromotor disabilities, pitches. With their strong presentation, Tracy “During Hospital Aid’s she said. “They’re paid to be there. Auxiliary and Natasha were one of three successful volunteers choose to be there, you choose to Working in palliative, Cassie shared another teams to receive $5,000 in funding. first year, they donated a be there to make life different for the patients important role the Auxiliary has for patients. and families you serve.” With coordination from the Auxiliary, the Almost a year later, preliminary interview data grand sum of $246 to the Women’s Institute of Rogersville donated suggests having access to adapted bikes and That’s the same level of care Cassie beautiful handmade quilts to palliative trikes has had a positive impact on the quality hospital,” she said. experienced. patients. The idea was for patients to be given of life of children with disabilities, as well as a the quilts, and if they were discharged home, means of increased socialization and leisure. “Now my research tells me “When my baby was born and placed in my they could keep it. If they died, the family was arms for the first time, his little body had welcome to take them. Tracy is now looking ahead to September, that’s over $3,000 in today’s nothing on but this tiny hat,” Cassie said, while where she will share this unique program’s holding up small, light blue handmade hat. “This One recipient had been a quilter herself; when outcomes at the American Academy for money, so that’s pretty tiny hat that I will cherish and keep forever.” Cassie showed her the quilts, she inspected Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine’s each of them and spoke about the patterns 73rd annual meeting in California. significant.” and stitching used. The Research Team included: During the luncheon, nine women were “It took her away from being a patient and • Tracy Ferguson, Pediatric Physiotherapist, presented with Honourary Life Memberships gave us a glimpse into the part of herself Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation to the auxiliary: Phyllis Hamilton, Winnie that quilted,” Cassie said. “She spoke about • Dr. Natasha Hanson, Team Manager, SOAR Matchett, Debbie Whitney, Carolyn Taylor, her friends that she would quilt with and Team, Research Services Wendy Mathews, Betty Doyle, Geraldine that she originally learned the skill from her • Rankyn Campbell, Research Assistant, Stan Fitzpatrick, Mildred Savoy and Carol Anne grandmother.” Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation Smythe. Rachel Butler, Shirley Donovan, Salome Legge, Betty O’Shea, Jeannie Bell, and When Cassie told her that one of the quilts The Bikes N’ Trikes Program would not be possible Aileen Whitney were also honoured, but were was for her, she was speechless. without the support of generous donations to the not present. Stan Cassidy Foundation. This research is also “She knew the amount of work that was made possible by Horizon’s Support Opportunities Karen McGrath, Horizon’s president and CEO, placed into making them,” Cassie said. “When and Assistance for Research (SOAR) Program, and wondered what health care and auxiliaries she died, her best friend took the blanket the Patients’ Den research funding competition. would have looked like 100 years ago. home and told me that when her heart is sad and lonely, she will curl up in that quilt and *A version of this article appeared on the Stan Cassidy “The wives of the doctors were the first remember her.” Owen Aucoin, a patient at the Stan Cassidy Centre, gives a thumb’s up to one of the custom-made bikes. Foundation’s blog. auxilians in Canada; they got together to change for the better. I couldn’t ask for a better team of • Our community developer completed the needs people to work with. assessment and is linking community partners to And the winners of the 2019 Quality Quest Awards are… address some of the needs; Sheena Matchett • Our RN took on ambulatory care and community Registered Nurse, Public Health, Miramichi The Quality Quest Awards are presented annually within Horizon, program – such as breastfeeding support, school promoting and recognizing quality improvement work across the Here’s a look at the winning project activities, prenatal classes for Francophone patients; The group of individuals that inspire me the most is organization. and two runner-ups: • Our LPN makes sure all the patients are up to date the whole Electrophysiology (EP) Team on 5AN at with screening and calls patients who have been Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital: Dr. Satish In April, after reviewing 13 impressive submissions, Horizon recognized discharged from hospital to see if they need follow Toal, Dr. Samuel Wang, nurse associates, EP Nurses, three outstanding quality improvement projects. 4 and have the best access; co-ordinates same day and WINNER nurses on 5AN and Radiology Technologists. I get to work urgent appointment for the providers so the patients do with this amazing group of people twice a week and they Quality improvements must have been: Saint John Therapeutics Open Access not access after-hours clinics or ER; and knows every Booking Model Project always do the very best for our patients with a multitude patient by name and genuinely care for every patient. • Developed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team composed of heart rhythm issues. of at least three or more staff and/or physicians; She keeps the flow through the office and makes it Becky McCollum and her Therapeutics team at Horizon’s Saint John • Developed and implemented within the last two years; and Thank you to Peter Triantafillou easier for all concerned; Regional Hospital aimed to reduce the expanding outpatient waitlists Anesthesia Assistant, Main OR/NB Heart Centre, Horizon’s • Our NPs and physician have taken approximately 5,000 • Reflective of Horizon’s vision, mission, and values. and increasingly long wait times experienced by patients for their everyone who Saint John Regional Hospital patients off the registry and now hold a case load of services. rostered patients of 2,500. Because the population is shared a health I have a particularly close relationship with the transient, the providers are continually uploading patients; At one point, the combined wait list reached 1,000 people, no-shows Human Service Counselors on the adult treatment • Our NP does episodic care to Oromocto First Nations were an issue, and patients were dissatisfied with the times of team. What a team we make! We complement one day per week, started a walk-in clinic two days a appointments that had been booked for them. care profession that each other. They are especially amazing at helping week, and took on Sexual Health care and needs for 5 patients without a provider, including IUD insertion and my clients get their basic needs met and will help them Through a LEAN Six-Sigma approach, the team transitioned to an inspires them. with things like navigating government offices (income therapeutic abortions; tax, income assistance), reviewing their monthly budgets, • Our clerical staff always keeping everyone happy and open access booking model. Patients would receive the referral from We received 10 submissions, each highlighting their referral source and could call to book an appointment at a time figuring out what community services are available for organized — they are the core of the team; the strengths and skills of the people you • Our social worker is addressing one of the biggest convenient for them. them and linking them with these agencies, and providing work alongside every day. These professions support when going through a situational crisis. Without identified needs in the community: mental health care. and people encourage you to do your job a The project was successful: the waitlist was reduced from 1,000 them, my work would be much more difficult and I would She goes above and beyond the call of her job and is very little better, and are instrumental in providing passionate about the people she sees. She also offers a patients to zero, and there was a 25 per cent decrease in wait time not be able to focus on my role with these individuals. the best and safest care to your patients or community program, helping people maneuver through the experienced by the patient and a 42 per cent increase in available Great job Jeannette, Tricia, Ross and JP. It is an honour to 16 From left: Saint John Therapeutics Open Access Booking Model Project team clients. work with you. system, partnering with other primary care providers to 17 16 members Sandra Surette, manager of Audiology, Speech and ENT Clinic; appointments. meet needs of their clients, delivers Root of Empathy; and 17 Tracy Underwood, manager of Occupational Therapy; Nancy Carr, manager of We heard from readers from seven facilities Brigitte Dutcher • Our dietitian is addressing another challenge in the Physiotherapy; and Rebecca McCollum, director of Therapeutics, Saint John area or regions, eight units or teams, and nine Occupational Therapist, Addiction and Mental Health community: obesity. The dietitian does cooking classes accept their award from Karen McGrath, Horizon’s President and CEO. RUNNER-UP different positions. Since there were exactly 10 Services, Moncton at the schools, links patients with the food bank, and entries, these are listed in no particular order. helps with the backpack food program at the schools, Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation GAPSS Project The group of people that I work with in Medical If you have a suggestion for a future Top 10 list, as well as supporting access for diet counselling at The project was led by Dr. JoAnne Savoie, psychologist at the Stan Imaging are fantastic. We work well as a team and Oromocto First Nation. please email [email protected]. I feel we all go above and beyond for our patients Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation. If you have an idea for another interactive every day to make sure their visit, although short in This is just a few of their accomplishments in such short time. feature, we’d love to hear that, too! We look 6 It almost brings tears to my eyes to see their compassion She wanted to create a sustainable and interdisciplinary process for our department is still as comfortable as it can be. Whether forward to reading your submissions for it’s a warm blanket, holding your hand during the procedure and love for their jobs. This is more than a couple of reviewing practice standards to ensure adherence to best practice. The the next Top 10 list! or watching your child during your scan, we do what we sentences but if only I could live up to their expectations goals of this project were to create a process that would increase staff can to help. My fellow technologists and I are an important of themselves as a professional and their passions to the knowledge and familiarity with current best practice, as well as identify part in the day-to-day of patient care, whether it’s patients residents of the Oromocto and surrounding area. I know The profession that inspires me are administrative gaps in adherence to standards along with prioritized action items. coming in through the ER, inpatients or patients coming in for they can move mountains. professionals. Erica Silliker and Erica Robichaud at appointments. Miramichi Public Health are critical to my success as Isabel Camp To do this, the team used innovative Communimetrics, which are Manager of Horizon’s Oromocto Health Centre and Queens measures that provide transparent outcomes that are immediately a dietitian. Their organization, support, knowledge, Krista Gautreau 1 Medical Radiation Technologist, Medical Imaging, North Community Health Centre translatable into actions. The patient experience advisor for Stan and positive attitudes make my work life worlds better! Their ability to manage their workload inspires me to Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital Cassidy also weighed in on what “best practice” meant from a patient’s keep organized as well. I would love to see them and their The nurses I work with inspire me every day, but the perspective. profession recognized. The behind-the-scenes work of lab technicians wound care nurses in particular really work hard to educate, provide support and resources, and make Jessica Bowie allows us to provide the best care possible for The project provided quantitative and qualitative results that forged a our hemodialysis patients. When we get our lab themselves readily available to help out. I know From left: Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation GAPSS Project team members Dietitian, Public Health, Miramichi 9 clear path for each discipline to make informed decisions about how to results back we can determine what adjustments where I work I have the privilege of working with specialized Gillian Hoyt-Hallett, administrative director of the Stan Cassidy Centre for improve their service. 7 wound care nurses. They have taught me more than any are appropriate for their dialysis prescriptions as well as Rehabilitation and Dr. JoAnne Savoie, psychologist accept the award from I am always inspired by the professionals that medications that we use to optimize hemoglobin, PTH, textbook/workshop/conference combined with their Karen McGrath, Horizon’s President and CEO. work in Radiation Therapy. I always have thought phosphorus and calcium balance. They are an essential bedside skills and knowledge. this job is something I would never be able to part in the care we provide to our chronic disease population. RUNNER-UP do. My husband is one; his job, I think, is one of Kayla Arseneault The Regional INSPIRED Implementation Project 2 When we need a critical value to make decisions for a RN, General Surgery, Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital the most difficult ones in a hospital environment. You are patient treatment we depend on their quick response attention dealing with the same person for weeks on end, mostly to detail and accuracy. Our nephrologist, nursing staff, This project was led by Kathy Kowalski, Director of Electrodiagnostics every day and they are really sick and the treatment I work with the absolute best team of leaders pharmacist and dietitians depend on the lab to guide our and Respiratory Therapy, along with her team and a project manager. you are giving them is probably going to make them in Horizon – the HR Leadership team. They clinical decisions on a daily basis. temporarily sicker. When I meet these professionals in are a fantastic group of individuals who bring INSPIRED stands for Implementing a Novel and Supportive Program of the hallway most often I get a great big smile and a hello. Nanette J. Walker 10 their own uniqueness to the team. Maura Individualized Care for Patients and Families Living with Respiratory They are wonderful people. I am praying that I never have Nurse Manager, Nephrology (Hemodialysis Units), McKinnon is the definition of a true leader. Claudia Foran Disease. The INSPIRED care approach helps patients with Chronic to see them professionally but for those who do I think the Fredericton and Saint John is the best manager one could work for and she always Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) self-manage their health experience must be mostly positive, and in many cases, a has your back. Teena Robichaud always makes you feel and avoid hospitalization by acting on their signs and symptoms of healing experience. The Oromocto Health Centre team is small but valued and appreciated – no matter how small the task. Erin Crandall may come across as quiet, but when she isn’t exacerbation. mighty; every team player makes this new busy Roxanne McKnight — look out. Anne Kilfoil is a lifelong learner and full of Financial Reporting Co-ordinator, Financial Services – centre efficient and effective. They all inspire The project began with a pilot site in Saint John. Using an me to be the best me and I will never reach their knowledge. Lynn Boone is quick witted and always keeps Reporting, Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital 8 you on your toes. And last, but certainly not least is Kerry interdisciplinary approach with strong stakeholder engagement, the passion for the patients and their community. This team has very little space and they utilize every inch (hardly Kennedy, always the life of the party with her comic relief. INSPIRED model was successfully spread to all regions within Horizon. I have the pleasure of working with some ever complaining). They are here for the community and I really am a blessed individual who gets to work with this extraordinary people in Public Health. Our team the patients we service. Clerical, nurse practitioners, group and learn from them! HR Rocks! From left: Kathy Kowalski, Director of Electrodiagnostics and Respiratory Therapy, This project saw over 2,100 bed days saved and a soft savings of consists of nurses, dieticians, administrators, physician, LPN, RN, social worker, dietitian, respiratory accepts the award on behalf of the Regional INSPIRED Implementation Project team $2.1 million. As well, over 80 per cent of INSPIRED participants have coordinators and management. Their work in Angie Williston 3 therapist and community developer — we have only been HR Process Improvement Project Lead, Human Resources, from Karen McGrath, Horizon’s President and CEO. action plans for flare-ups. preventative health care is inspiring. They are hard- a complete team for 2.5 years and the things they have working, professional, caring and motivated to create Miramichi accomplished include: Patient & Family Centred Care in Action Finding savings through small changes at the Serology through the Active Offer Lab at Horizon’s SJRH Horizon Health Network promotes a culture of In the Serology Lab at Horizon’s Saint John day, which means they use a significant amount patient & family centred care in all facilities, Regional Hospital, a small change in product of reagents (a substance or mixture for use in but how does Active Offer play a role in this has made a big difference in savings. chemical analysis or other reactions). philosophy? Over two months, Tammy Mahaney, a medical In the past, there was too much volume of reagent lab technologist in the Microbiology Department’s in each vial used in quality control testing. By providing the Active Offer we create a safe Serology Lab worked with Performance and respectful environment involving the “What I noticed is that we were throwing out Optimization to switch to a new brand of patient and their support team in all decisions a lot of reagent because it was expiring,” said reagent vials used in quality control testing. relating to their care. Tammy, who has been working in the lab for The Serology Lab performs, on average, 100 20 years. “It was due to the volume they were Often, patients rely on the support of family sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests every sending us and there was no possibility of or friends to help make important decisions getting smaller volumes to make it better.” at critical times. Therefore, we must be able to The team was looking for an alternative communicate effectively with both the patient A vial of the new reagent from Somagen. material to use that could be purchased in and their support team. smaller volumes per vial at a comparable and the Institute for Quality Management in cost and/or share material with other sites in Healthcare Announce Strategic Partnership Staff of the Perioperative Services Department Horizon. The second option wasn’t a viable (IQMH) made it mandatory for labs to also use at Horizon’s Oromocto Public Hospital know one, as no other Horizon sites used the same an external company to run quality control the difference clear communication can make quality control protocol. tests to make sure there was no bias. in a patient’s care. Nurse Manager Veronica Jamieson and the staff of Perioperative Services at Horizon’s Oromocto Public Hospital. However, a company, Somagen, had the same This additional testing meant an additional, They remember a day when a patient arrived Back row, from left: Jeannie Smith, Kathy MacDonald, Francine McLaughlin, Marilyn Owens, and Cheryl Kelly. testing parameters as the former company at a significant expense for the department, which for surgery, accompanied by their support Front row, from left: Elaine Pellerin, Rebeka McGlinchey, and Veronica Jamieson. significantly lower cost. Each of the individual prompted Tammy to look for solutions in the 18 person. The patient was bilingual, but the vial volumes were less, too, and all vials expire form of a Waste Walk project. 1919 within two months after opening – a longer support person was unilingual Francophone. This Waste Walk was one of three Tammy Better Prepared + Better Care = Better Outcomes window than the former company. completed as part of her White Belt Certification, During the registration process the patient During the transition they made sure not to which was overseen by Claribel Sosa, project requested service in French to ensure their we, the employees, are being here on a regular contingency plan, so employees will be BETTER waste the old controls, using what they had manager, Performance Optimization. support person would understand and be able basis, providing the services. PREPARED to provide BETTER CARE to ensure until fully implementing the new reagents. to support them during this experience. A BETTER OUTCOMES. Claribel said Tammy did a great job identifying bilingual employee was assigned to this patient. The patient is typically not here because they The old process cost $10,920.06 a year; waste in her department, and encourages want to be, but because they need to be. All staff at Horizon must be aware of the this new process will save $5,443.38 a year, teams across Horizon to look for similar ways Tammy Mahaney, a medical lab technologist in the By providing service in the language both contingency plan in their department, and bringing the annual costs to $5,476.68. waste can be identified, processes improved Microbiology Department’s Serology Lab at Horizon’s parties understood the pressure on the and money saved in their areas. Veronica Jamieson is the Nurse Manager of know where to find it quickly. Saint John Regional Hospital with her White Belt Regular quality control measure were always patient to translate between the support person Perioperative Services at Horizon’s Oromocto Certification. in place, but recently, Accreditation Canada “It was more work, but it’s worth it,” said Tammy. and the care giver was alleviated. This could Public Hospital and the Endoscopy Suite at The Official Languages team is prepared to have been added stress to a patient who may Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. provide support in developing your contingency have already been anxious in anticipation of plan. If you require assistance, please contact surgery. Veronica understands the importance of one of the members of the Official Languages Horizon, Vitalité sign MOU with First Nations communities the Active Offer in the scenario above. Her Department listed below. Staff tell us their patients and their support departments are well-equipped with bilingual A new partnership between five First Nations Pabineau, and Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First demonstrating cultural competence when person or team often appear relieved and employees and a contingency plan for what to communities and the province’s two regional Nations, and Horizon and Vitalité health providing care. health authorities will provide better addiction networks. more comfortable communicating their needs do should no bilingual employee be available at Jean Daigle, VP Community, signed the and mental health services in northern New and concerns in their language of choice. The the time of need. This is the first memorandum of understanding partnership on behalf of Horizon, along with Brunswick. patient and their support team are ultimately of its kind, and will be used as a standard for Vitalité President and CEO Gilles Lanteigne. better prepared going into their procedure, as Staff scheduling is a big part of ensuring A memorandum of understanding, the other groups of First Nations communities in The signing took place at Riverside well as better equipped for the post op care bilingual service is available, but in our work Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness Partnership, the province. Entertainment Center in Miramichi in late March, period. place situations can change very quickly. We has been signed by representatives from This MOU instills confidence in the where health network representatives took need to be prepared with a contingency plan. Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church), Metepenagiag communities that Horizon and Vitalité place in a traditional smudging ceremony and Let’s be honest: A hospital setting can be a (Red Bank), Ugpi’Ganjig (Eel River Bar), daunting one for those receiving services, and Managers are encouraged to work together recognize their needs and are committed to First Nations dancers provided entertainment. often we forget they are not as comfortable as with their employees to develop and test a

Do not hesitate to contact the Official Languages Advisor of your sector for any additional information. They are here to help. Miramichi Saint John Pauline Durelle Gary Selway [email protected] [email protected] (506) 623-6258 (506) 648-6956

Moncton Active Offer Facilitator (Horizon-wide) Jason MacKenzie Lorna Mansfield [email protected] [email protected] (506) 870-2574 (506) 440-6496 Chiefs and representatives from First Nations in northern New Brunswick, including Assembly of First Nations Miramichi Addiction and Mental Health staff and Regional Chief Augustine and Horizon and Vitalité leadership signed memorandum of understanding in late March. Horizon’s VP Community, Jean Daigle at the MOU signing. Psssst. Hey, you! Yes, you. Are you looking to work smarter, not harder?

Then it’s time to get waste walking!

Waste walks are a fantastic way to empower your employees, teams and departments to make improvements in their workplaces. They can be big or small – anything from clearing out a storage closet to replacing equipment that results in financial savings to improving wait times for patients or clients. To celebrate seven years of developing a culture of continuous improvement at Horizon, Performance Optimization is challenging staff to reduce waste. All validated waste walks from April 1 to September 30 will be entered to win one of three prizes, including the top prize of a Fitbit (to track your next waste walk, maybe?) and Horizon swag. To be eligible for the challenge, you must have completed the waste walk training. You can register for upcoming training session on Performance Optimization’s Skyline page.